Kalen Barksdale was ready to walk across the stage for his graduation from Milwaukee Lutheran Middle and High School in Wisconsin when something strange happened. The announcer realized she didn’t have Kalen’s diploma in her hand.
Videos by InspireMore
“Excuse me, I’m being told that we have a small problem, so we have to figure out where his diploma is. We have every diploma except for one,” she said. “Sometimes the most important deliveries take a little longer than expected, especially when they’re coming from so far away.”
All of a sudden, Kalen heard the voice of his sister, Specialist Barksdale of the Wisconsin National Guard’s 2-127th Infantry Battalion.
“To my brother, I will cross the ocean a million times for you. I praise God for bringing me home to you safely for your big milestone. Congratulations, Kalen Barksdale. I am so proud of you,” she said.
Not only did she speak to him, but she also handed Kalen his diploma in the day’s most touching moment.
Kalen Barksdale Hadn’t Seen His Sister in A Year
According to a Facebook post, Specialist Barksdale was deployed during Kalen Barksdale’s entire senior year. Kalen’s graduation was a surprise reunion for the brother and sister.
An attendee shared an emotional testimony on the school’s Facebook page.
“To be in the room when this occurred,” they wrote. “Me and my sister both looked at each other, and This made the graduation extra special.”
This person saw it too. “I was there front and center. And when I say it was lit. At first I thought it was his mom. What cut The cake, The announcer was making it seem like it was some type of malfunction, whole time the SOILDER was in the back. I think we all stood up and cried too. That was a dope moment,” they wrote.
This person wrote what we all felt watching Kalen Barksdale reunite with his sister.
“Milwaukee Lutheran, you all owe me some Kleenex,” they joked.
What a beautiful memory for everyone involved. Thank you for your service.
This story’s featured image can be found here
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.
